A diarrhoea outbreak has been declared for Honiara and Guadalcanal province.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in statement said, it continues to actively monitor the increasing trend in diarrhoea disease through its weekly syndromic surveillance system, and has confirmed diarrhoeal outbreak in Honiara and Guadalcanal province. 

From the latest surveillance information, a substantial of more than 800 (83.3%) compared to previous weekly report. 

Most of the cases from health facilities in Honiara and Guadalcanal. 

From additional surveillance information, majority of the cases identified are mostly children under five years specifically in the age group 1 to 4 years of age. 

A total of 17 children below 10 years of age have been admitted with diarrhoeal symptoms to the NRH Children’s ward between the 30 May and 21 June 2025 and 13 of them are in the most affected age group. 

To date, no deaths have been reported. 

Rotavirus has been detected by the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Medical Laboratory on 16^th June 2025 as announced in the previous MHMS media release. 

As of 25^th June 2025, a total of nine out of 18 stool samples have tested positive for rotavirus on rapid diagnostic test (RDT).

Rotavirus is not a new disease for Solomon Islands however in previous rotavirus outbreaks there have been significant deaths in children under five years of age. 

In the 2014 rotavirus outbreak, there were more than 4000 cases reported with 27 deaths and in 2015- 2016, more than 9000 cases with 32 deaths were reported. Majority of the deaths occur in the provinces. 

Since 2020, rotavirus vaccine was introduced for infants less than 6-months given at 6 weeks and 10 weeks old. 

The rotavirus vaccine is highly effective to reduce the severity of rotavirus infection even during outbreaks. 

The situation is evolving and soon provinces will likely to see increasing trend in diarrhoea cases. Also given there has been several mass gathering events happening in Honiara and Guadalcanal over the past two weeks and at present, there is increased risk for continuous spread of rotavirus to provinces. 

Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is very concerned about the rise in cases and calls on everyone to continue good hygiene practices (e.g. washing of hands with soap and clean water or use of alcohol hand sanitizers). Parents and guardians are advised to bring your child to your nearest clinic if your child shows the signs and symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting, please take them to nearest clinic without delay.  

KEY FACTS ABOUT DIARRHOEA  

• Diarrhoea is the passing of three or more loose or watery stools in one day. Diarrhoea is easy to catch and can spread very easily. 
• It is easily spread by vomit or faeces of an infected person directly from one person to another, for example, when touching the hands of someone who is sick, when changing nappies of babies with diarrhoea or vomit and sometimes from contaminated water or food. 
• Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.
• Dehydration due to diarrhea can kill babies and young children if parents don’t act quickly. Parents must take their babies and young children to the nearest clinic as soon as they show symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting, without delay.
• Symptoms of dehydration includes less frequent urination, dry mouth and lips, no tears when crying, thirst and tiredness. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR YOU CHILD HAS DIARRHOEA  

• Takebabiesandchildrentotheclinicassoonasthey develop orshowsignsofdiarrhoeaorvomiting.
• Giveplentyofcleanwater,coconutwater and lemonjuice beforereachingtheclinicto rehydrate the sick person.
• Give Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) solution as recommended by the health worker until diarrhoea stops.
• Breastfeed babies with diarrhoea more frequently and monitor for signs of dehydration such as fewer wet diapers, dry mouth, sunken eyes or any change in the child’s eyes. 
• Fruits and vegetables can be given to older children and adults with diarrhoea, but should be washed properly to prevent the spread of diarrhoea

HOWTOPROTECTYOURSELFANDYOURFAMILYFROMDIARRHOEA

• Wash your hands with soap and water:
  • Before preparing food and eating 
  • After going to the toilet
  • After cleaning your baby’s bottom

• Please bring your child aged between 2 months to 6 months to get their Rota Virus vaccine on time.
• Use proper toilets such as pit latrines with lid, pour flush and flush toilets, or ensure faeces is buried well away from water sources to prevent contamination of drinking water and to stop flies spreading disease.
• Cover food from flies, wash fruit and vegetables before eating, cook food thoroughly.
• Boil all drinking water, including tank water, and let it cool. Store water in clean, sealed containers.
• Practice good personal hygiene 
• Ensure your surroundings (house) is free from rubbish and other things that will transmit and or transfer and spread the virus.

The Ministry of Health is working together with the National Referral Hospital, Honiara City Health, Guadalcanal Health Team, and the World Health Organization to:

• Track the outbreak and respond quickly
• Share information with the public to prevent severe illness
• Help clinics and hospitals stay ready to treat patients
• Make sure there is enough ORS and medicines in health centers

Health teams in other provinces have been told to stay alert, keep good records of diarrhoea cases, and help spread hygiene messages.

MHMS ask everyone to stay safe and protect their families. Wash your hands often, drink clean water, and take your child to the clinic as soon as they get sick. Together, we can stop the spread of diarrhea. 

– MHMS